US President Donald Trump has said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin will agree to “make a deal” following his latest diplomatic engagement, signalling that a potential second round of negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could be on the horizon.
Speaking to Fox News Radio ahead of his meeting with Mr Putin, Mr Trump claimed that the Kremlin was ready to move towards an agreement, hinting that sanctions and economic pressure may have played a significant role in prompting the talks.
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“I think he’s going to make a deal,” Mr Trump told the broadcaster. “Economic incentives and sanctions are very powerful tools.” He did not, however, reveal what specific measures might be under discussion or how they would be implemented.
The former president suggested that the initial meeting, set for tomorrow, would be used to lay the groundwork for a follow-up summit between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders.
He confirmed that if progress was made, he intended to speak with Mr Zelenskyy and key European allies.
However, Mr Trump also indicated that if the meeting with Mr Putin did not go well, he would refrain from contacting other leaders. “If it doesn’t go well, I’m not calling anyone,” he said.
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The White House earlier confirmed plans for a joint press conference between Mr Trump and Mr Putin after their talks, although Mr Trump himself appeared uncertain, telling Fox News Radio he did not know if such an appearance would happen.
The upcoming talks come amid continued tensions over Russia’s war in Ukraine, which began in February 2022 and has since caused tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis across the country.
The United States and its European allies have imposed multiple rounds of sanctions targeting Russia’s economy, energy sector, and political elite in response to the invasion.
Washington has also provided billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine, a policy Mr Trump has previously criticised as “open-ended” and lacking clear terms for a negotiated settlement.
Mr Putin, for his part, has repeatedly insisted that any peace deal must recognise Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions — a condition Kyiv has rejected outright. President Zelenskyy has consistently stated that no talks can take place until Russia withdraws its troops from occupied territories.
Diplomatic sources suggest that any breakthrough would require significant concessions on both sides, though analysts remain sceptical about the likelihood of such progress.
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“Putin is unlikely to offer major compromises without concrete guarantees, while Ukraine remains unwilling to cede territory,” said Dr Elena Makarova, a specialist in Eastern European politics at the University of Warsaw.
Mr Trump has positioned himself as a potential dealmaker in the conflict, arguing that his personal relationship with Mr Putin could help bring the war to an end. Critics, however, warn that his approach risks undermining Ukraine’s negotiating position and could embolden Moscow.
Tomorrow’s meeting will be closely watched in European capitals, where leaders have expressed both hope and caution over the prospect of fresh talks.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has said that “any genuine steps towards peace are welcome,” but stressed that “Ukraine’s sovereignty must be respected.”
The Kremlin has confirmed that discussions will focus on “security guarantees, sanctions relief, and humanitarian issues,” but did not provide further details.
The prospect of a “second summit” between Mr Putin and Mr Zelenskyy remains highly uncertain.
The last direct talks between the two leaders took place in 2019 in Paris, mediated by France and Germany, and ended without a lasting agreement.
Whether tomorrow’s discussions produce a roadmap for peace or merely another round of diplomatic posturing will become clearer after the meeting. Both leaders are expected to make public statements, though the format and timing remain in question.
For now, hopes of a breakthrough rest on a delicate balance of pressure, incentives, and the willingness of both sides to engage in genuine compromise.
Editing by M10News Politics Desk | Contact: politics@m10news.com
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